Ilion Christine B. Mergenthaler, 62, of Ilion, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 8, 2014, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. Chris was born on October 31, 1951, in Ilion; she was the daughter of the late Melvin R. and Ellen (Merchant) Blann, Jr. She was a graduate of West Winfield Schools, Oberlin College, and HCCC. She was the Division Manager of the Clerk's Office at the U.S. District Court in Utica. Chris was an active member of the community, serving as President of the Herkimer County chapter of Habitat for Humanity; she was active in the Ilion First Baptist Church, serving as the organist there for many years, as well as lending her musical talents to other area churches and organizations. Chris's greatest joy, though, was the devotion and love she had for her grandchildren. Christine is survived by her three daughters, Kim-Loi Mergenthaler and her husband Jon Fry of Burlington, VT; Reneka Mergenthaler-Hagan and her husband Michael Hagan of Medford, MA; and Heidi Mergenthaler and her husband Greg Schmidt of Rochester. She is also survived by a brother, Melvin R. Blann III and his wife Ginger of Fulton, IL; three sisters, Judy Cox of Greensboro, NC, Diane Blann and her husband Billy Holzschuh of Rochester, and Debbie McDuffie and her husband Michael of Buffalo; cherished family members Marion and Burt Lawrence of Herkimer; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren James and Evan Schmidt, and Molly and William Fry, who were the lights of her life. A memorial service for Christine will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 10:00 am at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc., 100 Otsego St. in Ilion with Pastor Joelle Faulks officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on Friday, August 15, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Herkimer County Habitat for Humanity, the Frankfort-Ilion Food Pantry or the Food Bank of Central New York. To send an online condolence, please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.